Dedicated to shaping the future of workforce development, I am an enthusiastic advocate for change, empowerment, and innovation with over 18 years of invaluable experience in this dynamic field. My journey has been a testament to the transformative power of workforce development, and I am passionate about igniting the potential in individuals, organizations, and communities.

Lakythia has held a variety of leadership positions workforce development, including Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Employer Partnerships at New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA), where she oversaw the establishment and growth of employer relationships throughout the city for HRA’s welfare-to-work programs. Throughout her career, Lakythia’s consistent focus on incorporating voices from workers, unions, employers and staff along with her dedication to creating advancement opportunities beyond the first job, has resulted in better satisfaction and outcomes for all stakeholders.

Lakythia holds a Masters in Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia.

Siannie Jacobs, the visionary founder of SJ Restorative Consulting LLC, is an accomplished author, transformational coach, and advocate for social justice. With a Master’s in Public Administration from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Francis Marion University, Siannie’s expertise is grounded in academic achievement.

Furthermore, her work is deeply informed by her commitment to human dignity. As a devoted wife and mother of two, she brings a personal touch to her work, reflecting her passion for serving marginalized communities.

Currently based in Florence, South Carolina, Siannie is deeply involved in youth-serving organizations both locally and nationally. She serves as the interim Chairperson of 914United in Yonkers, NY, a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s mission. Additionally, she plays a key role in the Florence Mayor’s Youth Initiative as the overseer of the youth ambassadors,

harnessing their potential for community impact. Siannie’s commitment to social justice extends to her membership in the Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, where her insights and expertise are highly valued.

Beyond her organizational commitments, Siannie is dedicated to fostering inclusive and nurturing learning environments through her consultancy. She empowers educators and community partners with evidence-based training and bespoke frameworks, grounded in restorative principles. An innovative spirit drives her commitment to reshaping institutions and uplifting communities, evident in her multifaceted approach to advocacy and empowerment.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Siannie finds joy in traveling and exploring diverse cultures, enriching her perspectives and insights.

Over the past decade, Sasha has worked across the social sector in organizations dedicated to improving the material conditions of systemically marginalized communities. She has designed, launched, and scaled high impact programs and initiatives in the fields of reentry, youth development, and higher education. During her time in philanthropy, she managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio of grants to emerging organizations working on a multitude of interconnected issues, including reproductive, economic, and housing justice. As a personal development and mindset coach she helps leaders from all corners of the movement cultivate soul gratifying careers, strengthen their liberatory leadership practice, and sustain their energy for a lifetime of joyful resistance. Her specialty areas include: personal narrative shift, burnout prevention and recovery, healing workplace trauma, navigating life and career transitions and cultivating whole life balance. Sasha holds a B.A. from Lafayette College, a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and is a certified professional healing centered coach.

Chandler Vaughan, Director of Development and Communications, at ISAIC—Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, skillfully directs marketing strategies, spearheads fundraising initiatives, and cultivates community partnerships. Vaughan is a servant leader at heart with a myriad of community engagement and programming experience. Her varied experiences have solidified her conviction that impactful collaborations across government, non-profits, for-profit businesses, and community entities are the linchpin for addressing inequities and elevating both individual lives and industries at large. Chandler’s dedication to this mission is evident through her project to uplift trades programs in Detroit public schools, as an inaugural member of the Obama Foundation’s Change Collective program.

Hailing from a government background, Vaughan previously served as an Elon University Graduate Year of Service Fellow for the City of Burlington, North Carolina’s Economic Development (ED) Department. She served in various roles, as the interim downtown manager and ED project manager, to manage and liaise between the city and the non-profit contracted to steward the Main Street America Downtown revitalization program. Her contributions facilitated the growth of rural small businesses, expanded digital literacy access, and attracted diverse enterprises to the community.

Chandler’s passion for economic development extends to her personal pursuits, manifesting in her ownership and operation of a resume writing and LinkedIn branding business. This venture empowers underrepresented professionals to tell their career stories through a lens of impact that opens greater economic opportunity for career advancement.

Outside of her business interests, Vaughan loves to appreciate Detroit’s unique culture by learning about the city as a Detroit Documenter, visiting museums, art galleries, locally owned restaurants, and neighborhood events.